Date: Mon 02 Sep 2013

Lido Complete Deadline Day Defender Swoop

Afan Lido FC have made a deadline day signing with the capture of former Wales under-21 defender Ian Hillier.

The central defender, who can also play at full-back, brings a wealth of experience to the Marston’s Stadium and joins up with the Seasiders on transfer deadline day.

The 33-year-old is added to the squad before this weekend's Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League fixture at home to Bangor City. Hillier adds more experience to the Lido defence, which also boasts Matthew Rees and club captain Mark Crutch. Their experience will assist the young and talented defenders Ryan Batley, Dean Hudson and Alex Evans at the Marstons Stadium.

Hillier began his career at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Luton Town after impressing in a loan spell. He joined Newport County in 2005 where he notched up more than 100 appearances.

Hillier has also featured for the Wales under-21 squad, winning five caps.

Hillier brings a wealth of experience to his new club, having already featured in the Welsh Premier League for Neath AFC. Hillier signs for Afan Lido from fellow Premiership outfit Carmarthen Town, making the same journey that Rees, another former Wales under 21 defender, made last week.